Nigerian Army Investigates Fisayo Soyombo Over Alleged Oil Theft: Unraveling the Details
The Nigerian Army has revealed that Fisayo Soyombo is currently under investigation in connection with illegal oil theft activities in the Niger Delta region.
This development comes amidst circulating reports that the prominent investigative journalist is being held by military authorities in Port Harcourt.
In a statement released on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that a man named Fisayo Soyombo was apprehended during a recent anti-oil theft operation. However, Danjuma did not explicitly confirm if the individual in question is a well-known journalist or another individual bearing the same name.
Background: The Army’s Anti-Oil Theft Operations
The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, both of which have been detrimental to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. This intensified crackdown is part of a broader strategy to secure critical oil infrastructure and curtail the economic sabotage that has plagued the Niger Delta for years.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma highlighted the Division’s recent success in dismantling oil theft syndicates. According to him, intelligence reports led troops to a notorious gang known for vandalizing pipelines and establishing illegal connections to siphon crude oil.
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Targeted Operation and Arrests
In a meticulously planned operation, troops from the 6 Division traced the suspects to an illegal oil bunkering site. The operation led to multiple arrests, including an individual identified as Fisayo Soyombo, who was found at the scene.
“While the Division will not engage with the spread of misinformation, it is necessary to clarify the situation and set the record straight,” Danjuma stated.
He reiterated that the Division’s heightened anti-bunkering efforts have yielded significant results, disrupting criminal networks responsible for illegal oil siphoning and pipeline breaches.
Investigation Underway
The Army emphasized that all arrested individuals, including Soyombo, are undergoing a thorough preliminary investigation to determine their level of involvement in the illegal activities.
“Suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation to ascertain their level of involvement or otherwise,” Danjuma noted, adding that the military remains resolute in its mission to eliminate oil theft in the region.
Clarification for Media and Public
In response to widespread media reports, the Army urged media outlets to verify the accuracy of their information before publishing stories related to the incident. The military emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in sensitive matters that involve national security and economic stability.
“It is crucial for media outlets to ensure the veracity of their information before releasing it to the public,” Danjuma warned.
He further reassured the public of the Army’s commitment to curbing the activities of criminal gangs in the Niger Delta. This effort, he explained, is vital to boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production, a critical component of the nation’s economy.
Conclusion
The arrest and investigation of Fisayo Soyombo underscore the Nigerian Army’s intensified operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta. While questions remain regarding the identity of the individual involved, the military has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and curbing illegal activities in the region.
As investigations continue, the Army has called for patience and responsible reporting from media organizations to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine ongoing security operations.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
